Venezuela’s opposition party has announced plans for worldwide protests on August 17 in response to what it claims was a fraudulent presidential election. The government-controlled electoral commission declared President Nicolás Maduro the winner, granting him a third consecutive term. However, the opposition insists that their candidate, Edmundo González, was the true victor and is demanding the release of detailed polling station data to support their claim.
International Support and Allegations
The opposition’s call for transparency has gained backing from the European Union and the United States, while several Latin American countries have yet to recognize Maduro’s victory in the July 28 election. Opposition leader Maria Corina Machado urged Venezuelans worldwide to protest in a social media video, calling for international support to “recognize truth and popular sovereignty.” The opposition party also published data online, which they assert shows González winning by a significant margin. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has echoed this claim, citing “overwhelming evidence” of González’s victory.
Government’s Response and Rising Tensions
The Maduro government, however, stands by the National Electoral Council’s (CNE) results, dismissing the opposition’s evidence as fake and accusing the US of orchestrating a coup attempt. Maduro has promised to release the vote tallies but has not specified a timeline. Meanwhile, the government has begun cracking down on opposition figures, with thousands of protesters detained and several opposition leaders arrested. The situation remains tense as both sides prepare for further confrontation.
